Chocolate intolerance can trigger symptoms if the food has been ingested. It is important to note that chocolate products often include various ingredients where some are beneficial, but some can instigate an allergic reaction or simply an intolerance.
Food intolerance and allergic reactions are prevalent among children and wrongly analyzed as other ailments. If any symptoms manifest after eating chocolate or other foods, a doctor should be seen about potential causes and treatment measures.
Close look on food intolerance
Intolerance to some foods is common among children and common up to adulthood. This condition strikingly resembles a food allergy but with difference in the degree of the symptoms.
Intolerance often triggers less severe symptoms than an allergic reaction. Take note that it is more difficult to diagnose since it mimics other conditions such as indigestion and mild infections. Diagnosing intolerance can be complicated since children have a hard time describing any symptoms and verbalizing discomfort.
Signs of chocolate intolerance
The indications of chocolate intolerance range from minor to severe which is based on the ingredients involved. The minor symptoms include nausea, skin rashes, digestive upset, fatigue, flatulence, coughing, headache and runny nose.
The serious symptoms that might arise include respiratory distress, hives, dizziness, swollen mouth and face, burning sensation in the throat, anxiety, vomiting, diarrhea and behavioral issues. If the child appears confused or disoriented or has difficulty breathing, seek prompt medical care.
Considerations to bear in mind
Being familiar with the component present in chocolate that is responsible for the condition is vital and can be achieved with an allergy test.
In case nuts are the root cause, choose chocolate that is free from nuts and not manufactured together with other products that contain nuts.
If dairy is the issue, opt for dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa. In case cocoa is the issue, choose other sweet products made from honey, stevia or other natural sweeteners. Generally, if the chocolate is darker, it includes more cocoa powder.